30 REFORESTATION IN MASSACHUSETTS. 



tent caterpillar, which strips the foliage from the tree and so 

 reduces its vigor. Another enemy is the " saddled prominent " 

 (Heterocampa guttivitta), which has caused a great deal of 

 damage in Maine and New Hampshire, but is now being brought 

 under control by natural enemies. 



Beech (Fagus ferruginea). 



This tree is conceded to be the most tolerant of all the hard- 

 wood species found in Massachusetts ; that is, it will grpw well 

 beneath the most dense shade, provided the soil is suitable for 

 germination, and not only this, but it requires shade in order 

 to start at all. It grows best on rich, loamy soil, on cool slopes, 

 in mixtures with other hardwoods, such as the oaks, chestnut 

 and maple. It sometimes forms pure stands with here and there 

 scattering pine and hemlock. 



The nuts are so much liked by squirrels that reproduction 

 is hindered by these animals. 



The beech is a rather slow-growing tree, generally owing to 

 the dense shade which surrounds it; but it reaches good size, 

 both in height and diameter. 



The principal enemy in Massachusetts may be said to be the 

 " saddled prominent," previously mentioned, which prefers the 

 leaves of this tree to all others, thus causing the woods to re- 

 semble winter in the height of the growing season. 



The wood forms one of our most valuable hardwoods, and is 

 used for tool handles, furniture, flooring and in turnery. 



White Birch (Betula papyrifera). 



This tree is to be rigidly distinguished from the grey birch 

 (sometimes called " white " ) so common in this State. The 

 latter species (Betula populifolia) is practically valueless for 

 all purposes, fuel included, and must not be confused with the 

 white, which forms a valuable timber tree. 



White birch grows on northerly slopes, in mixture with other 

 hardwoods, pine and hemlock. The seed is very light, favor- 

 ing reproduction by the wind, and causing the propagation of 

 the species over burned areas when there is enough soil moisture 

 to support tree growth. The tree will not stand shade, being 



